The treatment goals of atrial fibrillation (AF or AFib) start with a proper diagnosis through an in-depth examination from a physician. The exam usually includes questions about your history and often an EKG or ECG. Some patients may need a thorough electrophysiology study.
Prevention and Risk Reduction
Although no one is able to absolutely guarantee that a stroke or a clot can be preventable, there are ways to reduce risks for developing these problems.
After a patient is diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, the ideal goals may include:
Restoring the heart to a normal rhythm (called rhythm control)
Reducing an overly high heart rate (called rate control)
Preventing blood clots (called prevention of thromboembolism such as stroke)
Avoiding atrial fibrillation and subsequently lowering your stroke risk can be as simple as foregoing your morning cup of coffee. In other words, some AFib cases are only as strong as their underlying cause. If hyperthyroidism is the cause of AFib, treating the thyroid condition may be enough to make AFib go away.
Doctors can use a variety of different medications to help control the heart rate during atrial fibrillation.
"These medications, such as beta blockers and calcium channel blockers, work on the AV node," says Dr. Andrea Russo of University of Pennsylvania Health System. "They slow the heart rate and may help improve symptoms. However, they do not 'cure' the rhythm abnormality, and patients still require medication to prevent strokes while remaining in atrial fibrillation."
Had bypass surgery in 2004. Relatively good condition up until now. I was walking frequently and heart rate elevated some (90-110). I would rest for a few minutes and all was fine again. Two weeks before a scheduled Stress Test. I had same elevation to about 105 with normal sinus rythm. During the stress test A-FIB. They said my heart was very strong. Was perscribed Eliquis with directions. I am 77, BMI is 23, and take numerous suplements. Now I know what Afib feels like. I never had it before the test! Now anytime I do any physical labor or exercise I get afib and it takes about 20 minutes to an hour to recover to normal sinus rythm. My cardoligist was upset that I had been given the stress test.
My question is did (can) a stress test initiate/start afib??? What now? Looks like western medicine is doing its best to hurt me.
Except for persistent Afib, I am a healthy 56 yr. old man. My blood pressure is low, cholesterol is 121, resting heartbeat use to be around 57, blood sugars are good. I was a runner, mountain bike racer, competitive surfer and competitive tennis player. A few months ago I went in for a normal physical and the Dr noticed an abnormal heartbeat and sent me to the heart specialist where I was diagnosed with persistent Afib. I'm on 50 mg of metroprolol and a blood thinner but I'm still in persistent Afib. I still walk 3 miles per day in the mountains and I still go to work every day. 2 hours after taking my first dose of metroprolol I felt like a new man but am still in the Afib.
I believe that (but have no evidence to support) the herpes virus 2 (genital herpes) attacked my heart and caused this. A virus attacked my inner ear 4 yrs. ago and I've lost my hearing in my left ear. I read a study done in Taiwan that said that people with herpes virus 2 have a higher rate of Afib.
suziejenga5
posted
Re: anxietyon January 15, 2020 5:38am EST
Hi, I was diagnosed with paroxysmal afib about a month ago and spent 3 dayw in the hospital not responding to meds to get my heart rate down. The third day they did a cardioversion and it worked. All my tests have come back perfect- echo showed healthy heart, calcium score is zero, chest xray normal, pulse good, bloodwork great..Yet I have been suffering from EXTREME anxiety and depression ever since. I am convinced I am going to die or have a heart attack and am afraid all of the time. As a result, I have a constant tightness in my chest (which of course, I think is my heart failing) . I was wondering if anyone else experienced this. I am starting anti-anxiety medication and have even begun counseling. I just can't seem to stop thinking about my heart all of the time.
Had bypass surgery in 2004. Relatively good condition up until now. I was walking frequently and heart rate elevated some (90-110). I would rest for a few minutes and all was fine again. Two weeks before a scheduled Stress Test. I had same elevation to about 105 with normal sinus rythm. During the stress test A-FIB. They said my heart was very strong. Was perscribed Eliquis with directions. I am 77, BMI is 23, and take numerous suplements. Now I know what Afib feels like. I never had it before the test! Now anytime I do any physical labor or exercise I get afib and it takes about 20 minutes to an hour to recover to normal sinus rythm. My cardoligist was upset that I had been given the stress test.
My question is did (can) a stress test initiate/start afib??? What now? Looks like western medicine is doing its best to hurt me.
Hi,
Except for persistent Afib, I am a healthy 56 yr. old man. My blood pressure is low, cholesterol is 121, resting heartbeat use to be around 57, blood sugars are good. I was a runner, mountain bike racer, competitive surfer and competitive tennis player. A few months ago I went in for a normal physical and the Dr noticed an abnormal heartbeat and sent me to the heart specialist where I was diagnosed with persistent Afib. I'm on 50 mg of metroprolol and a blood thinner but I'm still in persistent Afib. I still walk 3 miles per day in the mountains and I still go to work every day. 2 hours after taking my first dose of metroprolol I felt like a new man but am still in the Afib.
I believe that (but have no evidence to support) the herpes virus 2 (genital herpes) attacked my heart and caused this. A virus attacked my inner ear 4 yrs. ago and I've lost my hearing in my left ear. I read a study done in Taiwan that said that people with herpes virus 2 have a higher rate of Afib.
Hi, I was diagnosed with paroxysmal afib about a month ago and spent 3 dayw in the hospital not responding to meds to get my heart rate down. The third day they did a cardioversion and it worked. All my tests have come back perfect- echo showed healthy heart, calcium score is zero, chest xray normal, pulse good, bloodwork great..Yet I have been suffering from EXTREME anxiety and depression ever since. I am convinced I am going to die or have a heart attack and am afraid all of the time. As a result, I have a constant tightness in my chest (which of course, I think is my heart failing) . I was wondering if anyone else experienced this. I am starting anti-anxiety medication and have even begun counseling. I just can't seem to stop thinking about my heart all of the time.